Note: This is a journal entry — it was written on paper or on my computer, then transferred to my website, maybe years later.

We’re in Genova, Italy staying in the apartment of our new driver, Paolo.  I feel better about everything now.  Paolo’s a real nice guy and, I dunno, I guess I just needed to get the fuck out of Rome and away from the oppressive attitude of the-girl-who-booked-our-tour.  I just can’t maintain the proper attitude around her; in her hands I can’t feel okay about what I’m doing, or secure in where I’m going or how I’m getting there.  Whereas Paolo’s attitude is perfect, he’s all "let’s go!  looks like a good tour!  great show!  no problem!  let’s eat!" etc etc.  I do miss Sara and Giacomo, two very sweet and funny people, but it’s good to get out on the road again.

Last night we played at a place called Fitzcarraldo’s, which is inside another place called the Cafe del Mar.  The show went a million times better than the one in Palestrina.  There were actually people there (almost all of them!) who wanted to hear the music, which makes all the difference.

After soundcheck Paolo took us to a music store, and I bought Ryan and me soft cases for our instruments.  They’re really nice, and they were only $15 Euros each.  I feel soooo much better walking into a club with a gig bag instead of holding the guitar with no case, like a dumbass.  At least that’s how I felt.

I don’t have any more time to type here.  I’m ripping a copy of the Tenacious D album onto my hard drive.  Last night I showed Ryan and Paolo "Heat Vision and Jack", the 30-minute thing starring Jack Black.  And Paolo turned me on to the Moldy Peaches, which I like very much.  We’re heading out to Modena today, but we don’t have to leave until way later because it’s a pretty short drive.  We’re picking up a bass amp somewhere on the way between here and there — the one Ryan used last night belonged to the promoter, Matteo.  Hopefully it’ll fit in the car with a little creative shoving.